Police constructed the discovery at Port Edgar near South Queensferry in Edinburgh at 8.30 pm on Thursday. Formal identification has yet to take place, but Hutchison’s family have been informed.

Hutchison, 36, was last seen at 1am on Wednesday, when he left the Dakota hotel in South Queensferry.

The band had posted a message on Twitter asking for anyone with information to contact police, adding:” We are worried about Scott, who has been missing for a little while now. He may be in a fragile country and may not be make the best decisions for himself right now .”

Hutchison himself wrote downbeat tweets in the hours leading up to his disappearance.” Be so good to everyone you love. It’s not a dedicated. I’m so vexed that it’s not. I didn’t live by that criterion and it kills me. Please, hug your loved ones ,” he wrote. A final tweet reads:” I’m away now. Thanks .”

Fans sent messages of support, summed up by Hutchison’s brother and bandmate, Grant, who told Radio X earlier the coming week:” The support’s been immense … There’s nothing that is so insurmountable that we can’t figure it out together and help you to get better and we’re all here for you and we all love you very much .”

Hutchison formed Frightened Rabbit initially as a solo project in 2003, before Grant joined him to record their debut album in 2006. The band expanded to a five-piece, and amassed a loyal following for their soul-baring, emotionally rich songwriting, including Aaron Dessner of US band the National who made their most recent album, 2016′ s Painting of a Panic Attack. Robert Smith of the Cure had invited them to appear at Meltdown festival, which he is curating in London in June, and the band is likewise set to support US singer-songwriter Father John Misty in concert in May.

Hutchison had recently completed a tour with the band to celebrate the 10 th anniversary of their breakthrough 2008 album, The Midnight Organ Fight, and the other with his other band, Mastersystem. He had recently spoken of plans for a sixth Frightened Rabbit album, telling:” I would like for that to be finished by the end of the year .”

Among tributes to the singer, the radio DJ Edith Bowman tweeted:” You ok fella? Sending love and a shoulder if you need it” to Scott after his final messages- wrote on Twitter:” Can’t really believe I’m reading this. Saddest awakening ever. Love and best wishes to all the Hutchison and Frabbit family .”

In the UK, the Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is on 13 11 14. Hotlines in other countries can be found here .